Program overview

Whatcom Community College's massage therapist certificate program is designed to accommodate those who have a previous college education and/or who are pursuing a career change. Students wishing to also earn an associate degree should meet with an academic advisor to build a plan to complete the additional credits required to also earn an associate in liberal studies degree.

The massage therapist program begins each fall quarter. Core curriculum massage classes must be taken in sequence, are only offered to students accepted into the massage program, and run for consecutive quarters.

The massage therapist program is full-time, rigorous and academically demanding. It is recommended that students admitted to the program limit their outside obligations as much as possible. The program demands an average of 20 hours per week outside of class on homework assignments.

The certificate curriculum qualifies graduates to sit for the Washington State licensing exam and the national certification exam to become a licensed massage therapist.

Find out more at an information session. These sessions cover a lot of information and will likely answer most of your questions.

Program outcomes

Upon successful completion of WCC's massage therapist certificate, graduates should be able to...

  1. Construct and implement a massage session plan for each client utilizing theories, modalities, tools, and techniques of therapeutic massage.
  2. Perform massage therapy techniques using anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology knowledge.
  3. Adhere to ethical, legal, and safe behaviors as specified by professional massage codes of ethics, and the Standards of Practice established by the Washington State Board of Massage.
  4. Explain the benefits of massage on the human body.
  5. Detect medical conditions in which massage therapy is contraindicated and refer for medical assessment when necessary.
  6. Integrate proper body mechanics and self-care methods while performing therapeutic massage.
  7. Communicate with clients, colleagues, and healthcare providers.

Quarter-by-quarter course sequence (core massage program)

See attached for a weekly schedule of classes for the massage program.

   Format
 Time
 Day
 
 Fall Quarter
 Credits
 MT 110
  Massage Therapy I
  7
   On campus
  1 - 4:30 pm
  TWTh  
 MT 202
  Kinesiology I for Massage Therapists
  4
   Hybrid  10 am - noon
  TTh  
 MT 271
  Anatomy & Pathophysiology I for Massage Therapists
  3
   Online      
   Open Lab
  8 am - 5 pm
  M-F  
     When class is not in session
    
 Winter Quarter
  Credits
 MT 105
  Ethical & Legal Issues for Massage Therapists
  3
   Hybrid  11 - 11:50 am  Th  
 MT 111
  Massage Therapy II
  7
   On campus
  1 - 4:30 pm
  TWTh  
 MT 203
  Kinesiology II for Massage Therapists
  2
   Hybrid  10 am - noon
  T  
 MT 272
  Anatomy & Pathophysiology II for Massage Therapists
  3
   Hybrid  11 - 11:50 am  W  
   Open Lab
  8 am - 5 pm
  M-F  
     When class is not in session
    
 Spring Quarter
  Credits
 MT 112
  Massage Therapy III
  7
   On campus
  1 - 4:30 pm
  TWTh  
 MT 204
  Kinesiology III for Massage Therapists
  2
   Hybrid  10 am - noon
  T  
 MT 205
  Business Applications for Massage Therapists
  3
   Hybrid  11 - 11:50 am  Th  
 MT 240
  Preparation for Massage Licensing
  2
   Hybrid  11 am - noon
  W  
 MT 250
  Student Clinic **Choose one of two sections**
  2
   On campus
  Noon - 4 pm
  M  
     10 am - 2 pm
  F  
   Open Lab
  8 am - 5 pm
  M-F  
     When class is not in session
    

(back to top)